This document has been compiled by Rebecca Spellacy (Office of Formation for Discipleship) with the help of Fr. Ivan Camilleri (Chancellor of

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2 This document has been compiled by Rebecca Spellacy (Office of Formation for Discipleship) with the help of Fr. Ivan Camilleri (Chancellor of Spiritual Affairs) and Fr. John-Mark Missio (Director of Liturgy, St. Augustine s Seminary) Office of Formation for Discipleship September 2018

3 Table of Contents Introduction... 2 Ways to Use This Document... 3 A Tool for Formation and Training... 3 A Tool for Group Reflection... 3 A Tool for Recruiting... 3 The Universal Call to Holiness and Missionary Discipleship... 5 Is It Not the Sharing of the Blood of Christ? A Brief Reflection... 6 Theological Grounding for the Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion... 7 What is the Eucharist?... 7 Christ: Fully Present... 7 A Sign of Unity... 9 A Time and Means of Thanksgiving A Pledge of Things to Come A Meal The Eucharist as the Sign of Love How Do We Respond? Tips for Deeping Your Love of the Eucharist From the Saints Summary of the Norms and Policies for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Do s and Don ts for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Resources This Wonderful Sacrament: A Guide for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion 1

4 Introduction O God, who in this wonderful Sacrament have left us a memorial of your Passion, grant us, we pray, so to revere the sacred mysteries of your Body and Blood that we may always experience in ourselves the fruits of your redemption. Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Collect for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) The Pastoral Plan of the Archdiocese of Toronto envisions the full, conscious, and active participation of the faithful at Mass. It further envisions and looks to provide for the engagement of parishioners in various ministries within the parish community by saying: Our aim is to fully engage all parishioners in parish life in accordance with their stewardship of God s gifts. The parish will be encouraged to promote and develop a variety of ministries and initiatives which support the celebration of the Sunday liturgy through preparation and decoration of the parish church and facilities. (See page 6 of This Wonderful Sacrament: A Guide for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion 2

5 Ways to Use This Document The Office of Formation for Discipleship is tasked with providing resources and assistance to those involved in forming and training parish ministers, pastors, other clergy, pastoral staff, liturgy committees, and ministry coordinators. This document is one way that we hope to provide support to you in your role as trainers for those involved in ministry: A Tool for Formation and Training This document provides an overview of the theology of the Eucharist as well as an overview of the requirements to be an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Given that one of the requirements to be an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is that the person be formed in the Eucharistic theology of the Church, this document helps provide some of that formation and training. A Tool for Group Reflection Following this introduction is a brief reflection on 1 Corinthians 10: This, or other Biblical passages, could be used for group reflection. The section Theological Grounding for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion could also serve as a resource for group reflection in formation days or retreats. As there are four sections in what is the Eucharist, it could easily be divided into four days or four sections of a retreat. Possible reflection questions might include the following: How do we see each of these parts of the Eucharist being expressed liturgically? How do we as a parish help foster each of these understandings of the Eucharist? What can I/we do to help foster each understanding more in the parish? In the world? Near the end of this document there are also some tools that may help with further reflection. There are 5 tips for deepening your love of the Eucharist, quotes from the saints about the Eucharist, and a resource list. A Tool for Recruiting Sometimes the lay faithful do not engage in parish ministry because they are not sure what will be required of them. At the end of this document is a summary of the norms and policies for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Parts of that section could be adapted into a poster, social media post, or other forms of communication to the parish, to show what the requirements are for being an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. This Wonderful Sacrament: A Guide for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion 3

6 Thank You! During the Celebration of Commissioning of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, the presider asks the candidates, Are you resolved to undertake the office of giving the Body and Blood of the Lord to your brothers and sisters, and so serve to build up the Church? The role of the Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is fundamentally one of service to the Church by sharing the Body and Blood of the Lord with others. Thank you for answering the call to serve the Church. Your service is important and the Office of Formation for Discipleship is always ready to assist you. This Wonderful Sacrament: A Guide for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion 4

7 The Universal Call to Holiness and Missionary Discipleship Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5:48) We have been chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love (Ephesians 1:4). The first calling of all the baptized is the call to holiness:...all the faithful, whatever their condition or state, are called by the Lord, each in his own way, to that perfect holiness whereby the Father himself is perfect. (Lumen Gentium, 11). In Gaudete et Exsultate Pope Francis expounds on this idea by reminding us: We are called to be holy by living our lives with love and by bearing witness in everything we do (Gaudete et Exsultate, 14). In virtue of their baptism, all the members of the People of God have become missionary disciples (Evangelii Gaudium, 120), and are called to share the Good News of God with those around us: In all the baptized, from first to last, the sanctifying power of the Spirit is at work, impelling us to evangelization (Evangelii Gaudium, 119). As an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion you are called to participate, in a very practical way, in the sharing of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. You share Christ in a very real, concrete and physical way. And that is wonderful. Our primary vocation is one of holiness. The call to be an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is best understood in light of this. God calls different people to different ministries at various points in life. That means it is important to take time to pray and discern about your involvement in this or any ministry. It is possible God is calling you to take some time away, and that is okay. We are meant to grow closer to God in our ministries. If this ministry is not currently helping you grow closer to God, it is okay to step away. However, we do hope that serving as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion will help you grow in holiness and in your love of the Eucharist. It is our hope that by sharing the Body and Blood of Christ you will live out your call to be a missionary disciple. It is our sincere hope that this ministry helps you grow in holiness and lead others to the love of God. This Wonderful Sacrament: A Guide for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion 5

8 Is It Not the Sharing of the Blood of Christ? A Brief Reflection The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. (1 Corinthians 10:16-17) One of the fundamental questions that we have to contend with and need to reflect on is what is the Eucharist? This document will help provide some theological and liturgical grounding and answers to that question. More than what though, we are also called to ask and reflect on what that answer means in our daily life. Saint Paul tells us two very important things that are worth reflecting on. First, he answers the question of what is the Eucharist. It is the Body and Blood of Christ. There is no question for him and there is no question for the Church. We know that Christ gave us His Body and Blood for our salvation. We know that every time the Eucharist is celebrated He is made present again in the Bread and Wine. We have a God who loves us so much that He not only sent His Son to suffer, die, and rise for us, but who continually cares for us and feeds us, not in some far off, hoped for way, but in a very real, very present way. The Son of God wants to be with us, to be a part of us that He continually gives Himself to us in the Eucharist. Secondly, Saint Paul reminds us that this gift of Christ is not meant to be privately ours, it is meant to be shared. One of Paul s main concerns when he writes to the church in Corinth is that of disunity. We read in this passage that we are to share in the Body and Blood of Christ. It is not just for our own personal piety and devotion. We are made one not just in participation in the Eucharist, but in the communal participation of the Eucharist. If we truly are a Eucharistic people, if we truly believe what we profess, we need to be mindful of the call for unity that is at the heart of the Eucharist. This does not just mean unity amongst all Christian denominations but also that we need to work for unity in our families, communities, churches, and in all the other places we are. This is in many ways the harder form of unity. As Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, we are called to live out a love of the Eucharist. That means we need to try and live out this call for unity in our lives. Do we speak well of others? Do we give people the benefit of the doubt? Do we welcome others into our communities? Do we work to be people of love and welcome? Eucharist means Thanksgiving. We give thanks for Christ s nearness in the Bread and Wine, His Body and Blood, and in our lives. However, that thanksgiving needs to be more to be a truly Eucharistic people, we need to become more like Christ, and work for the unity of the Church. This Wonderful Sacrament: A Guide for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion 6

9 Theological Grounding for the Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion One of the requirements for being an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is that he/she have been given instruction for their ministry. That concept of training should be paired with the call that Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion have to develop their own spirituality around the Eucharist. The purpose of this section is to provide some basic theological understanding on the Eucharist and the Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. It is our hope that you will be able to take what follows and adapt it to your parish setting. What is the Eucharist? From the liturgy, therefore, and especially from the Eucharist, as from a font, grace is poured forth upon us; and the sanctification of men in Christ and the glorification of God, to which all other activities of the Church are directed as toward their end, is achieved in the most efficacious possible way (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 10) Taking part in the Eucharistic sacrifice, which is the fount and apex of the whole Christian life, they offer the Divine Victim to God, and offer themselves along with It. (Lumen Gentium, 11) There are many different ways we can talk about the Eucharist and what it is. However, because we are liturgical ministers, it seems that the best course of action is to spend some time looking to see what the liturgy has to say on the subject. It turns out that the liturgy has a great deal to say, more than what we could hope to cover here. However, there are five things that the liturgy is clear about the Eucharist being that will help us understand and reflect more deeply on it. Christ: Fully Present Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation for through your goodness we have received the bread we offer you: fruit of the earth and work of human hands, it will become for us the bread of life. By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ who humbled himself to share in our humanity. Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the wine we offer you: fruit of the vine and work of human hands, it will become our spiritual drink. In these words, spoken at the start of the Liturgy of the Eucharist, we see that Christ, through the working of God, is going to be made present in the bread and wine. We also see that Christ is both human and divine and that that dual nature is fully present in the consecrated elements. This Wonderful Sacrament: A Guide for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion 7

10 We see this idea develop even more as the Liturgy of the Eucharist continues: Be pleased, O God, we pray, to bless, acknowledge, and approve this offering in every respect: make it spiritual and acceptable, so that it may become for us the Body and Blood of your most beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. (Eucharistic Prayer 1) Make holy, therefore, these gifts, we pray, by sending down your Spirit upon them like the dewfall, so that they may become for us the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Eucharistic Prayer 2) Therefore, O Lord, we humbly implore you: by the same Spirit graciously make holy these gifts we have brought to you for consecration, that they may become the Body and Blood of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ (Eucharistic Prayer 3) Therefore, O Lord, we pray: may this same Holy Spirit graciously sanctify these offerings, that they may become the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ (Eucharistic Prayer 4) Transubstantiation The Council of Trent ( ) codified the changing of the substance of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ and this changing is most aptly called transubstantiation. The word itself means that the substance of the bread and wine are transformed into the substance of the Body and Blood of Christ. It makes no claim on how God can make this happen just that He has made it so. It is the most apt, the best way, that the Church has come up with to describe what happens and why the Body and Blood still look and taste like bread and wine. It is through the working of the Holy Spirit, implored in the prayers we pray, that brings about the transformation of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. As we reflect on the Eucharist then, and give due reverence to Christ, fully Present, it is also important that we take time to give thanks to God, who in His Goodness, allowed Christ, allowed Himself, to be made present for us. May this mingling of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ bring eternal life to us who receive it. This prayer, said by the priest as he mingles a bit of the consecrated Bread into the consecrated Wine, encapsulates what the Eucharistic Prayer says about Jesus Christ present in the consecrated elements. Jesus, truly present in the Sacrament, will bring us who receive Him, to eternal life. That statement of faith rests on the fundamental belief in it, and in the whole of the Eucharist, that Jesus is truly, really, present in the Bread and Wine. This Wonderful Sacrament: A Guide for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion 8

11 A Sign of Unity Lord, Jesus Christ, who said to your Apostles: Peace I leave you, my peace I give you, look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church, and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will. bless these gifts, these offerings, these holy and unblemished sacrifices, which we offer you firstly for your holy catholic Church. Be pleased to grant her peace, to guard, unite and govern her throughout the whole world, together with your servant N. our Pope, and N., our Bishop, and all those who, holding to the truth, hand on the catholic and apostolic faith. (Eucharistic Prayer 1) The Eucharist, because it is the Body and Blood of Christ and because the Eucharistic Prayer calls us to recall the events of salvation, is a sign of unity. It is not a trite unity of people based on mutual good feelings toward each other. The unity called for in the Eucharist is a unity under the person of Christ, made present on the altar. It is a unity of the whole Church. When we pray for the Church we are praying for the souls in Purgatory and the Church here on earth as well as asking for the intercessions of the saints in heaven. By doing this we see that we are united with the whole of the people of God throughout all the ages. The Three-Fold Church 1. The Church Suffering: those souls in Purgatory that we pray for in the Eucharistic Prayer 2. The Church Militant: the Church here on earth, including the Pope, Bishops, priests, and lay people 3. The Church Triumphant: the Saints whose intercessions we ask for Remember, Lord, your servants N. and N., and all gathered here, whose faith and devotion are known to you. For them, we offer you this sacrifice of praise or they offer it for themselves and all who are dear to them. (Eucharistic Prayer 1) In communion with those whose memory we venerate, especially the glorious ever Virgin Mary, Mother of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ, and blessed Joseph, her Spouse, your blessed Apostles and Martyrs, Peter, Paul, Andrew and all your saints; we ask that through their merits and prayers, in all things we may be defended by your protecting help. (Eucharistic Prayer 1) Remember also, Lord, your servants, N. and N., who have gone before us with the sign of faith and all who rest in the sleep of peace. Grant them, O Lord, we pray, and all who sleep in Christ, a place of refreshment, light and peace. (Eucharistic Prayer 1) This Wonderful Sacrament: A Guide for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion 9

12 To us, also, your servants, who though sinners, hope in your abundant mercies, graciously grant some share and fellowship with your holy Apostles and Martyrs: with John the Baptist, Stephen, Matthias, Barnabas and all your Saints; admit us, we beseech you, into their company, not weighing our merits, but granting us your pardon (Eucharistic Prayer 1) May this Sacrifice of our reconciliation, we pray, O Lord, advance the peace and salvation of all the world. Be pleased to confirm in faith and charity your pilgrim Church on earth, with your servant N. our Pope and N. our Bishop, the Order of Bishops, all the clergy, and the entire people you have gained for your own. Listen graciously to the prayers of this family, whom you have summoned before you: in your compassion, O merciful Father, gather to yourself all your children scattered throughout the world. To our departed brothers and sisters and to all who were pleasing to you at their passing from this life, give kind admittance to your Kingdom. (Eucharistic Prayer 3) We are asking for unity with Christ and with his Church. Union with the Church means union with the Pope, Bishops, priests and the people of God. Sharing in Christ s Glory The Church knows that the Lord comes even now in his Eucharist and that he is there in our midst. However, his presence is veiled. Therefore we celebrate the Eucharist awaiting the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ, asking to share in your glory when every tear will be wiped away. On that day we shall see you, our God, as you are. We shall become like you and praise you for ever through Christ our Lord. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1404) This Wonderful Sacrament: A Guide for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion 10

13 Thanksgiving characterizes the prayer of the Church which, in celebrating the Eucharist, reveals and becomes more fully what she is. Indeed, in the work of salvation, Christ sets creation free from sin and death to consecrate it anew and make it return to the Father, for his glory. The thanksgiving of the members of the Body participates in that of their Head. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2637) A Time and Means of Thanksgiving The Eucharistic Prayer opens with a brief dialogue and then goes into what is called the Preface. It is here that we see very clearly this idea of thanksgiving to God: It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord holy Father, almighty and eternal God. For you laid the foundations of the world and have arranged the changing of times and seasons; you formed man in your own image and set humanity over the whole world in all its wonder, to rule in your name over all you have made and for ever praise you in your might works, through Christ our Lord (Preface V of the Sundays in Ordinary Time: Creation) It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God. For through the saving Passion of your Son the whole world has received a heart to confess the infinite power of your majesty, since by the wondrous power of the Cross, your judgment on the world is now revealed and the authority of Christ crucified (Preface I of the Passion of the Lord: The Power of the Cross) It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God, through Christ our Lord. For you have built your Church to stand firm on apostolic foundations, to be a lasting sign of your holiness on earth and offer all humanity your heavenly teaching (Preface II of Apostles: The Apostolic Faith and Witness) It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Father most holy, through your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, your Word through whom you made all things, whom you sent as our Saviour and Redeemer, incarnate by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. (Preface for Eucharistic Prayer 2) It is truly right to give you thanks, truly just to give you glory, Father most holy, for you are the one God living and true, existing before all ages and abiding for all eternity, dwelling in unapproachable light; yet you, who alone are good, the source of life, have made all that is, so that you might fill your creatures with blessings and bring joy to many of them by the glory of your light. (Preface for Eucharistic Prayer 4) This Wonderful Sacrament: A Guide for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion 11

14 What we see in all of these examples is some sort of the recounting of the goodness of God and then thanking Him for it. This thanksgiving follows the pattern that Christ himself gave us and that we remember at the Eucharist. On the day before he was to suffer, he took bread in his holy and venerable hands, and with eyes raised to heaven to you, O God, his almighty Father, giving you thanks, he said the blessing, broke the bread and gave it to his disciples. (Eucharistic Prayer 1) At the time he was betrayed and entered willingly into his Passion, he took bread and, giving thanks, broke it and gave it to his disciples (Eucharistic Prayer 2) For on the night he was betrayed he himself took bread, and, giving you thanks, he said the blessing, broke the bread and gave it to his disciples (Eucharistic Prayer 3) The very meal that we recount when we celebrate the Eucharist is rooted deeply in this idea of thanksgiving. Did you know? It (the Eucharist) is called: Eucharist, because it is an action of thanksgiving to God. The Greek words eucharistein and eulogein recall the Jewish blessings that proclaim especially during a meal God s works: creation, redemption, and sanctification. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1328) This Wonderful Sacrament: A Guide for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion 12

15 The Kingdom of God and the End of the World When we pray for the Second Coming, for the Kingdom of God to be made fully present, what we are asking for is nothing short of a radical transformation and recreation of the world as we know it. We are called to be heralds of that Kingdom, but when Christ comes again to bring it to fulfillment, everything will be made new, including us and the world we live in. A Pledge of Things to Come Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, and graciously grant peace in your days that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. One of the more difficult theological concepts is that when we pray for the coming of the Kingdom of God we are actually praying for this world as it is to end and for God to inaugurate a New Kingdom. The liturgy in general and the Eucharist in particular must be understood as a foretaste, it is a partial taste of the heavenly banquet. We are allowed that foretaste but we also pray for the day when we can participate fully in the Kingdom of God. This idea of a pledge can also be understood in the concept of the prayers for the dead. We pray that the dead will be given full entrance into the Kingdom of God in heaven. With those prayers we also see the hope and promise for us when we die. So, the Eucharistic Banquet is a pledge of things to come with our death, and in a time yet unknown at the end of time. There is no surer pledge or dearer sign of this great hope in the new heavens and new earth in which righteousness dwells, than the Eucharist. Every time this mystery is celebrated, the work of our redemption is carried on and we break the one bread that provides the medicine of immortality, the antidote for death, and the food that makes us live for ever in Jesus Christ. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1405) This Wonderful Sacrament: A Guide for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion 13

16 A Meal while they were at supper (Eucharistic Prayer 4) Sometimes it is easy to so spiritualize the Eucharist that we forget that it is, at its core, a common meal. While often overlooked, this connection is fundamental. The idea of a meal helps bring to focus all the other aspects of the Eucharist. A meal feeds us, it is a means of unity, it is a place where we give thanks and it is a place where we yearn for something better. These five things Jesus Christ fully present, a sign of unity, a time of thanksgiving, a meal, and a pledge of things to come can all ultimately be summed up in one word love. The Eucharist is the ultimate sign of Love. The Eucharist as the Sign of Love The greatest love story of all time is contained in a tiny white Host. Fulton Sheen The love of Christ is seen for us most fully in the Eucharistic Sacrifice. For on the night he was betrayed. (Eucharistic Prayer 3) Look, we pray, upon the oblation of your Church and, recognizing the sacrificial Victim by whose death you willed to reconcile us to yourself (Eucharistic Prayer 3) Christ did not have to suffer and die for us. He did out of love for humanity and it is that love that we recall and make present every time we celebrate the Eucharist. It is that love that is made present in the Bread and Wine, the Body and Blood of Christ. It is that love that gives the ultimate meaning to everything we have already looked at. Without that love then nothing else matters. Did you know? The Eucharist is called The Lord s Supper, because of its connection with the supper which the Lord took with his disciples on the eve of his Passion and because it anticipates the wedding feast of the Lamb in the heavenly Jerusalem. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1329 This Wonderful Sacrament: A Guide for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion 14

17 How Do We Respond? We are blessed to have the liturgy to help us respond to the knowledge that Christ, in his total selfgiving love for us, is present in the Eucharist. Amen. The Eucharistic Prayer ends with the priest taking the chalice and paten and raising them both while saying: Through him, and with him, and in him, O God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, for ever and ever. And the people respond Amen. This is the first response to the Eucharistic Prayer, to the knowledge of all that Christ has done and is doing by being made Present in the Eucharist. We see him raised, in full unity of the Trinity and all we can do is exclaim Amen. Amen! Amen is one of those words that we say so often we might not pay much attention to because we say it so often and yet it is a very important word. It is an acclaim of affirmation, something like so be it! or it is so! When we say amen in Mass then we are saying that we agree with what just happened. Saying Amen after we receive the Body and Blood of Christ is an affirmation that we in fact believe that to be so. Justice and Mercy In the presence of a repentant people, God s justice is transformed into mercy and forgiveness (Pope Francis, 17 March 2014 Homily). A just God can hold us to account for our sins. God can and does act with justice, but he also acts with mercy and that is what we see here. We, at the end of the Lord s Prayer, turn to God, mindful again of our sinfulness, and implore His mercy. Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your Apostles: Peace I leave you, my peace I give you; look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church, and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will. We also respond to this love by declaring our unity in that love and then acting on it. This is done is in the recitation of the Lord s Prayer (the Our Father) and the sharing of peace. We have spent the Eucharistic Prayer learning and praying about what that unity in Christ looks like and once more we ask for it. We respond to God s love in the Eucharist by asking that that love and mercy be extended to us. We are then called to extend that mercy to others in the sign of peace. This Wonderful Sacrament: A Guide for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion 15

18 Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed. Once we have shared the peace with those around us and given and received assurances of mercy, we prepare to receive the very Body and Blood of Christ. We respond again with our unworthiness and with a plea to God to heal us. Throughout the Liturgy of the Eucharist it is important to notice that there is a near constant theme of recognizing our unworthiness (which happens almost always after a statement of the greatness of God) and a plea to God to overlook that unworthiness. Our response to Love is to acknowledge that we fall short of love in our own lives and ask to be forgiven. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. (Matthew 5:23-24) The Body of Christ After all of this we are able to receive the Body and Blood of Christ. This is the true sign and response to our unity, to our faith, to the knowledge that Jesus is truly present, in his Humanity and Divinity, in the Eucharist. There is nothing left to do than what He told us to do, Take this, all of you and eat of it and once we do, we respond again Amen. This Wonderful Sacrament: A Guide for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion 16

19 5 Tips for Deeping Your Love of the Eucharist Jesus and the Church want you to have a deep love for the Eucharist. Sometimes it is good to remind ourselves of the many different ways to develop that love for the Eucharist: 1. Spend time with Jesus in the Eucharist: Go to Adoration, get to Mass early and pray in front of the tabernacle, go and visit the Lord. Jesus wants to have a relationship with us. It would be very hard to have a relationship with a friend if we always expected them to come and see us and we never went to see them. How much more true is that with Jesus! 2. Reflect on the Scripture: There are many passages of Scripture that relate to the Eucharist. The Bread of Life discourse in John 6 has been a fruitful place of reflection for Christians throughout the centuries, but there are others as well. Take some time to read and pray with the Scriptures and ask God to open your heart to what they are telling you. 3. Read about and pray with the Saints: There are many saints who had a love of the Eucharist. Spend some time praying with them and reading their thoughts on the Eucharist. 4. Participate in the Sacramental Life of the Church: The Church offers us Sacraments that can help nurture our love of God and the Church and in turn help us more fully participate in the Eucharistic life of the Church. o o o o Spend time reflecting on your own Baptism and Confirmation as the ways Christ welcomed you into the Church. If you re married, spend time with your spouse and strengthening your marriage. The Church calls the family the domestic church and is a primary way in which we grow in holiness. Celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We all need to be reassured of God s love and mercy. We all need to be welcomed back and forgiven for our sins. Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we are given the grace to start again and try and live our lives without sin and in right relationship with God. Participate in other liturgical and sacramental rites: Weddings, funerals, baptisms, confirmations, and ordinations. They all help us unpack the work of Christ in our lives and in the world. They help us see more and more the importance of the Eucharist in all aspects of our lives and vocations. 5. Pray! To have a relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist, to grow in love of him, we need to talk to him. Spend some time in Adoration, get to Mass early if you re able, pray the Rosary (especially the Luminous Mysteries), pray in the car, on the subway or when you walk the dog. The important thing is to take some time to develop a relationship, to talk and to listen. This Wonderful Sacrament: A Guide for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion 17

20 From the Saints What is included here is a very small sample of what some saints have said about the Eucharist. Included with them are some possible questions for reflection. One of the most admirable effects of Holy Communion is to preserve the soul from sin, and to help those who fall through weakness to rise again. It is much more profitable, then, to approach this divine Sacrament with love, respect, and confidence, than to remain away through an excess of fear and scrupulosity. St. Ignatius of Loyola Possible questions for reflection: Do we treat the Eucharist as a way to preserve our souls from sin? After we receive the Eucharist, do we have the confidence of faith in knowing that our sins are forgiven? What is keeping us from that confidence? What is keeping us from approaching the Sacrament? How might we better approach the Sacrament with love, respect, and confidence? When we work hard, we must eat well. What a joy, that you can receive Holy Communion often! It's our life and support in this life Receive Communion often, and Jesus will change you into himself. St. Peter Julian Eymard Possible questions for reflection: Do we view our work in the world as hard enough to need to eat well at the Eucharistic table? Do we think we are worthy enough to have Jesus change us into himself? What does it mean to say that Jesus will change us into himself? How might that transformation cause us to change how we live our lives? When you look at the crucifix, you understand how much Jesus loved you then. When you look at the Sacred Host, you understand how much Jesus loves you now. St. Teresa of Calcutta Possible questions for reflection Do we really look at the Host and understand that Jesus loves us now? Do we really think that Jesus loved us and loves us? What does that realization do for us and how we live our live? How might we live our lives to better reflect the love of Jesus as seen in the Eucharist? This Wonderful Sacrament: A Guide for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion 18

21 Summary of the Norms and Policies for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion When it comes to the practical exercise of the ministry of the Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, there are norms and policies from the Universal Church and the Archdiocese of Toronto. What follows is a summary of those norms and policies as they pertain to the Catholic faithful. For further details about these norms and practices please contact the Office of Spiritual Affairs at spiritual@archtoronto.org or Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion must receive a mandate, requested by their pastor or chaplain, for their ministry. The mandate is for a period of three years (renewable). The pastor or chaplain sends the names of those he is requesting a mandate for to the Office of Spiritual Affairs. The mandate is only to fulfill the role of the Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion in the place where the Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is commissioned. 2. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should be publically commissioned, by their pastor or chaplain, according to the rite found in Celebrations of Installation and Recognition. 3. The minimum age to be an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is To be an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion a person must be fully initiated in the Catholic Church (i.e. having received Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Communion). 5. To be an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion a person must be in full communion with the Catholic Church. This includes (but is not limited to) regular Mass attendance, regular participation in the sacramental life of the Church, and, if married, be in an ecclesiastically valid marriage. 6. It is expected that lay ministers serving at Mass, such as Lectors, Acolytes, or Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, only fulfill one liturgical ministry at any particular liturgy. 7. The Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion will be called on to exercise his/her ministry in the absence of sufficient Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (Bishops, priests, and deacons). 8. The Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion must receive Communion prior to assisting in its distribution. Even if the Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion has already received Holy Communion at a previous Mass on the same day, he/she may still receive Holy Communion when he/she is serving in this ministry in subsequent Masses. 9. It is most appropriate that the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion receive Holy Communion from the presider at the Mass. He/she must also receive from the presider the vessel he/she will use to distribute Holy Communion. This Wonderful Sacrament: A Guide for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion 19

22 10. Only when requested and directed by the pastor to take Holy Communion to the sick or homebound, should an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion distribute Holy Communion outside of Mass. 11. The Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion must respect the right the communicant has to receive Communion in any of the ways that are appropriate to receive the Eucharist: on the tongue or in the hand, standing or kneeling. 12. If a person comes forward and indicates he/she is not receiving the physical Body and Blood of Christ, with the previous permission of the Pastor, the Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion may hold a hand over the person s head and say May God bless you or Receive the Lord in your heart. The Sign of the Cross should not be made. This Wonderful Sacrament: A Guide for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion 20

23 Do s and Don ts for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion The advice and practices of those who have been involved in ministry are not things to overlook. They come from years of dedicated service to and love of the Church and her people. What follows are a list of Do s and Don ts that come from the more practical side of this ministry. While they cannot take into account all the nuances of the local parish, they provide a good starting place for best practices. This can be used as a guide for your parish as you develop your own best practices. Do s 1. Prepare yourself before the Mass by spending some time in prayer. 2. Arrive at Mass with enough time to not be in a hurry and let the appropriate people know you have arrived. 3. If you cannot attend a liturgy you are scheduled at, secure a substitute and let the appropriate people know. 4. Dress appropriately. 5. Participate fully in the liturgy. 6. Allow the communicant time to say Amen before offering the Host or Chalice. 7. If a mistake happens, remain calm and let the appropriate people know there is an issue. 8. Remember you are a minister of the Church and act with respect and dignity toward the Eucharist but also toward those you interact with during the liturgy. In general, respect and good sense will go a long way toward helping you fulfill your ministry so do try and practice them both. Don ts 1. Do not use extra words. All you need to say is The Body [Blood] of Christ. Do not add names or other words. 2. Do not be disruptive, either in your body language or in your spoken language. 3. Do not panic if something goes wrong, just inform the appropriate people. Above all, don t forget that you are serving the Church and sharing the Lord with those who come to you. This Wonderful Sacrament: A Guide for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion 21

24 Resources This list is far from exhaustive. What it aims to do is provide a starting point for further investigation. All of the books listed are available in the library at the Office of Formation for Discipleship. As always if you have any questions about further resources please be in touch with the Office of Formation for Discipleship. Church Documents The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (2011) This is where you will be able to find the universal norms for the celebration of the Mass. It is referenced in this document as a place to find information on the role of the Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Pastoral Notes for the Celebration of the Eucharist in Light of the Revised Roman Missal from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (2012) This guide is a pastoral and catechetical instrument to assist in the implementation of the Fifth Edition of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal. It presumes the General Instruction of the Roman Missal and is in no way intended to replace it, but should always be read in conjunction with that official document. The Catechism of the Catholic Church There are various sections of the Catechism that might be helpful for teaching or reflection. Some of particular interest might be The Sacrament of the Eucharist Sacrosanctum Concilium, the Constitution from the Second Vatican Council on Sacred Liturgy (1963) This document provides a great deal of the theological framework for liturgical renewal in the Church and the current guiding liturgical principles in the Church often begin here. In a parish context it could be helpful in providing an overview for the theology of the liturgy. It also helps provide the context for where much of our current liturgical views come from. Ecclesia de Eucharistia, an Encyclical Letter from St. John Paul II on the Eucharist and its Relationship to the Church (2003) The hope of the letter is to rekindle Eucharistic amazement and to ensure that the Eucharist will continue to shine forth in all its radiant mystery by banishing unacceptable doctrine and practice. The document might be of the most use to everyone in parish ministry, but serves as a good overview of the theology and doctrine around the Eucharist and the Church for those who are tasked with formation and training. Redemptionis Sacramentum, Instruction from the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments on certain matters to be observed or to be avoided regarding the Most Holy Eucharist (2004) This Instruction contains a chapter devoted to the Extraordinary Functions of Lay Faithful (Chapter VII). The document is perhaps best seen as a further explanation of the norms and practices already outlined for the Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. This Wonderful Sacrament: A Guide for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion 22

25 From the National Liturgy Office of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops Eucharistic Celebrations This website contains a great deal of general information around the Mass and the Eucharist. It mostly concerns questions that arose in the context of the latest translation of the Roman Missal, but much of the information is still useful. Of particular interest might be the 2002 General Instruction - Communion Ministers PowerPoint. Forms from the Archdiocese of Toronto These two volunteer ministry position descriptions provide a good overview of what is generally expected of an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion or an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion Coordinator. They provide a good place to start if someone asks what do I have to do to be an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion? o Volunteer Ministry Position Description: Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion - o Volunteer Ministry Position Description: Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion Coordinator - Pope Francis - Weekly Audiences On November 15, 2017 Pope Francis started his weekly catechesis on the Mass Cardinal Collins The Eucharist (2000) This is a letter written by Cardinal Collins when he was Archbishop of Edmonton. He explains seven facets of the Eucharist and discusses the importance of preparation for reception of the Eucharist. It could serve as a useful tool for group or individual reflection. Books Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, Celebrations of Installation and Recognition (2005) This ritual text provides rituals for various ministries, including Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Stephen J. Binz, Eucharist, part of Threshold Bible Study (2012) This Bible Study helps provide Biblical grounding for the Eucharist. It has 30 lessons that can be used in various formats to fit your needs. It is done in a workshop format and provides space for reading, reflection, discussion and prayer for those participating. This could be a helpful tool for ongoing formation for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to help them grow in their understanding of the Eucharist. Michael Kwatera, What Every Catholic Needs to Know About the Eucharist: A Guide for the Liturgical Assembly (2008) This book provides a reflection on the Eucharist that is based on the importance of the assembly. It discusses why active participation is important and helps provide some basic understanding of the Eucharist to help foster greater This Wonderful Sacrament: A Guide for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion 23

26 participation. This could provide some helpful continuing formation for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion or could provide some content for a training day on the role of the assembly in the Eucharist. Corinna Laughlin, Guide for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Second Edition. Liturgical Ministry Series (2013) This book contains a history of the role of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion as well as a discussion of the liturgical and theological importance of the role. It also includes practical tips and resources for the Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. It is a good guide for those already involved as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. It however should not be used on its own, as local context is important for those involved in any liturgical ministry. Joseph Ratzinger, God Is near Us: The Eucharist, the Heart of Life (2003) This book provides insight into the Biblical, historical, and theological aspects of the Eucharist. It has a focus on the importance of personal devotion to and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. It could prove helpful for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion looking to deepen their personal devotion to the Eucharist. Edward Sri, A Biblical Walk Through the Mass: Understanding What We Say and Do In The Liturgy (2011) This explores the Biblical roots of the words and gestures we say and do at Mass. It includes DVDs, a leader s guide, student workbook, and the book itself. This could be a helpful tool for ongoing formation for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to help them grow in their understanding of the Eucharist. Online Video Resources Bishop Barron These three short videos from Bishop Barron discuss 3 aspects of the Eucharist, it as Meal, as Sacrifice, and as Real Presence. He provides Biblical, theological, philosophical, and liturgical background for each of these aspects and discusses how each of them is important and useful in our ongoing understanding of the Eucharist. These videos could each be used to help start a discussion or reflection on the Eucharist in each of the various understandings of what it is. It could even be used with the corresponding section in this document. o o o Eucharist as Meal Eucharist as Sacrifice Eucharist as Real Presence BustedHalo - Sacraments 101: Eucharist (How we Receive) This short video from Busted Halo provides answers to the question of how to receive Communion. While it is an American resource and makes reference to the U.S. bishops, the best practices outlined are best practices here as well. It provides insight into how our posture at reception (on the tongue or in the hand) can help us show reverence. The video could be helpful for an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion looking to grow in their own devotion. Catholic TV - Everything you wanted to know about liturgy (but were afraid to ask): Why does the priest drop a piece of the host into the chalice? This video from Catholic TV provides an answer to a question that some people might have. While only looking at a specific question, this video could provide some help on a training or formation day that would be looking at the Liturgy of the Eucharist. This Wonderful Sacrament: A Guide for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion 24